Question #195:
I would like to make an illusion necklace but I am confused as to what kind of thread or wire to use?
Answer:
"Thanks for emailing Dr. Beadalon. There are several ways to make illusion necklaces:
1. Use Beadalon 49 wire. Use crimp beads to hold the beads into place on the wire.
2. Use Supplemax clear monofilament. Use GS Hypo Cement to glue the beads in place on the strand.
3. Use silk cord. Knot the beads in place on the cord. How to choose? Decide which look you like best. The beading wire version is very quick and easy to do and makes a very durable necklace, it would be my first choice. If you want the stringing material to be clear, then choose the Supplemax version. The silk cord version is most traditional for pearls and is also called a "Tin Cup" necklace. "
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Question #196:
"I recently purchased a Beadalon Spin-n-Bead™ from my local craft store. It didn't come with any instructions except what was on the box, and it doesn't seem to be working. If I use a needle against the flow of the beads, the force of the spinner flips the needle so it goes with the flow of the beads. I've tried different speeds, I've tried using a needle or beading wire, and I've tried different seed and small bead sizes. Do you have any suggestions? I would love for this product to work."
Answer:
It helps if the bowl is pretty full of beads. If there aren't enough beads, it is much more difficult to use. Hold the needle in your dominant hand and dip the bent tip of the needle into the beads pointing the tip slightly outward toward the wall of the bowl but with the tip generally pointing back toward yourself. Use your non-dominant hand to spin the bowl away from yourself. The beads should jump onto the needle. You may need to wiggle the position of the needle a little bit until the flow starts happening.
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Question #197:
"What do I need for most projects? necklaces and bracelets? I'm a beginner and want to purchase stringing wire - beadalon was recommended but I don't know which gauge would be the most versatile?"
Answer:
I would recommend .018" diameter Beadalon 49 for general use. You always want to choose the largest diameter of wire that will pass through your bead holes but .018" is a good general place to start.
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Question #198:
exactly how secure is this crimping process compared to crimp beads/tubes? is there much slippage from the scrimp in a finished design?
Answer:
Scrimp findings are actually more secure than traditional crimping because the set-screw holds the wires in place. They have the added advantages of being removable and reusable.
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Question #199:
I have been using the silver plated wire guardians and like them very much. How quickly will these tarnish and are there any plans to make sterling silver wire guardians?
Answer:
Glad to hear you're enjoying the wire guardians. To prevent tarnish, I typically keep my jewelry in air-tight plastic bags. Sterling wire guardians are available now, along with copper plated wire guardians.
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Question #200:
"I wish to make a freshwater pearls three strand necklace for a x-mas gift and I would like to know what wire/ string I should use and how to space / hold the pearls in place without using crimps."
Answer:
There are several ways to make the type of necklace you're envisioning without using crimps. The easiest would be to use GS HypoCement to glue the freshwater pearls in place on Beadalon 49 wire. This would be especially pretty with gold or silver-plated beading wire. You should use Beadalon 49 for this type of project because it is the most flexible and will resist kinking, which can be a concern in designs like this where the wire is exposed. Alternatively, you could use silk beading cord and make knots to hold the pearls in place.
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Question #201:
I just got the pliers for using split rings and have no idea how to use it. I just tested it and the split ring got all out of shape! To use split ring pliers, you place the pointed tip between the rings. Gently squeeze the pliers to open the split ring. It pushes the rings apart just slightly. Once the rings are separated, you leave the tool there and then slide a charm (or other item) onto the rings. Move the tool over as you slide the charm or other item onto the rings, working your way around the ring. I would like to know if the Bead Reamer would work on Swarvoski crystals?
Answer:
You can use the battery operated bead reamer on Swarovski crystals, just be sure to keep the tip and the crystal under water to prevent the diamond grit tip from wearing down and make sure you have fresh batteries in the reamer to prevent the tip from sticking inside the bead. The reamer does cause the hole on the crystal to become frosted, so that is something to keep in mind. If you're gluing the crystals, the frosted end helps hold the bead in place and the glue seems to prevent the end from looking frosted.
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Question #202:
I have just learned how to knot, using the Beadalon knotting tool, but without using thread with a needle. Is there a formula so that I can judge how much extra thread I need to complete a necklace of any particular size without running out of thread just before the end?
Answer:
Use a length of thread that is four times the desired necklace length plus eight to 12 inches.
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Question #203:
If one wishes to place only a few beads on a memory wire necklace, should the beads be free to shift around or is there an easy way to keep them in place?
Answer:
It is fine to allow the beads to shift on the wire because it is extremely durable and can handle the abrasion. However, if you wish to keep the beads in place, you can add a drop of Bead Fix glue inside the beads.
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Question #204:
I just purchased the Cell Phone Strap and I'm not sure the proper way to attach it to the phone, or beads to it, can you help?
Answer:
To attach the strap to an electronic device, place the looped end of the strap through the hook on your phone, camera, etc. (Most phones and cameras have this attachment point but some do not.) Open the loop and place the other end of the strap through it and pull it to secure. This is called a lark's head knot. Now you can attached beaded dangles to the wire ring on the end of the strap.
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Question #205:
How do I attach the ear wires to an already made dangle earring?
Answer:
The ear wires have a lower loop that is similar to a jump ring. Use chain nose pliers to open the loop like a hinge, slip the beaded dangle onto the loop, then close the loop.
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Question #206:
I am working from a design in a magazine and they talk about Nymo™. Can you tell me what that is? They also refer to fireline. Is that the same as illusion (clear) or fishing line?
Answer:
Nymo™ is a type of beading thread that's made from a single, untwisted fiber. It comes in several very thin diameters and lots of colors that you can match to your beadwork. Fireline is a braided type of thread. Clear monofilament is different - it's not very threadlike but it is great for making beaded rings and illusion designs, as you suggest. Beadalon sells the brand called Supplemax.
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Question #207:
I am creating pieces mostly using stones, and it seems like the 49-strand wire is the most sturdy for these types of beads. I recently made a bracelet from rose quartz beads that are very pale and clear. I use the “bright” color/variety of wire, but since it’s actually a dark gray color, it shows through the stones. Is there a different beading cord I can use that is strong enough for beads made of quartz, jasper, etc., but that comes in a lighter color that won’t show through the more transparent stones?
Answer:
There are several types of colored Beadalon wires that would work well for your rose quartz bracelet. I would suggest using silver-plated or gold-plated wire that complements the clasp. Stay with 49-strand wire because it's the most flexible and best for bracelets.